Aug 20, Colombo: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday offered his deepest condolences to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, to the UN and the family of the late Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who passed away on Saturday at age 80.

In a letter sent to Guterres, the Premier, recalling the late UN Chief Kofi Annan's visit to Sri Lanka following the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004, said his compassion, sense of empathy, and calm demeanor soothed many grieving Sri Lankans.

"We all recall with much gratitude, His Excellency Kofi Annan's visit to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by the December 2004 Tsunami. His compassion, sense of empathy, and calm demeanour soothed many who were grieving and in pain."

"Similarly, the work he carried out throughout his life brought peace and comfort to many around the world," he said.

Following is the full test of Premier's condolence message:

It is with deep sadness that I write to convey my deepest condolences to you, the United Nations, and the family of the late Secretary-General His Excellency Kofi Annan.

We all recall with much gratitude, His Excellency Kofi Annan's visit to Sri Lanka following the devastation caused by the December 2004 Tsunami. His compassion, sense of empathy, and calm demeanour soothed many who were grieving and in pain. Similarly, the work he carried out throughout his life brought peace and comfort to many around the world.

He served the United Nations with distinction. Calling himself an eternal optimist, he devoted his entire life to work towards peace among nations, peoples and communities, and achieve the noble goals of the United Nations towards achieving better living conditions and a fairer and just world for all.

He was a man of wisdom. His moral voice and guidance will be deeply missed at this time when the world seems to need his presence most.

While Kofi Annan will forever remain in the hearts of the people that he touched, may his memory continue to inspire and guide all of us to continue our journey of working for peace, justice, democracy, rule of law, and human rights for all.